At this moment in my life I am incredibly stressed. Working full time, freelancing, wedding planning and awaiting root canal with daily pain are all taking their toll on me. I’ve been finding myself getting upset easily, feeling physically run down, unable to sleep and just not myself.
Things need to change. I really don’t want to spend the next two months feeling completely stressed when instead I should be focusing on marrying my one true love and living Happily Ever After (how very Disney!)
As a reminder to myself and some suggestions for you, here are the things I am doing to keep calm when everything seems to be exploding.
Lists
With so much to do all the time, I have found myself relying on lists. I have lists for everything, from my daily tasks to the jobs that need to be done every week before the wedding. I carry a notebook with me everywhere I go, and every day I tear out yesterday’s to-do list and write a new one. Being surrounded by technology, many people may opt for digital lists on their phone or computer, but I am old school. There is very little as satisfying as crossing something off a list.
Sleeping well
Whilst this seems easier said than done, there are some simple things to do that can make all the difference to getting a good night’s sleep:
- Ensuring the room is as dark as possible with blackout blinds or curtains and not using electronics.
- Using a bath to wind down before bed time.
- Having a cup of warm milk before bed.
- Winding down about an hour before going to bed by reading.
- Exercising during the day.
Eating well
When I’m stressed, I find that both my time and inclination to cook disappear. Making an effort to cook fresh food packed with nutrients has become a priority, as well as starting my day off with a smoothie. I am trying to limit the amount of processed food I’m eating and upping my water intake – sparkling water is great for that.
Making some me time
With life being so busy, making time for myself is increasingly difficult. Taking time out means that I can recharge and become more efficient in everything I do. Sometimes just taking an hour for myself can make the world of difference. I have a bath, watch a film or even colour in to just take some time for myself.
Meditation
I’m not one to shout my beliefs from the roof tops, but spiritualism is something that is helping me to deal with the stress that I’m facing on a daily basis. Brahma Kumaris from the World Spiritual University has spiritualism as “knowing how to live with meaning and purpose.” It is the belief that everything in the world affects everything, and even connecting with nature is a form of spiritualism.
Embracing spiritualism by taking time to meditate has helped to calm me down and see things more positively. Meditation enables me to reach relaxation in the moment, as well as having a more serene life. I find that I have better coping mechanisms following meditation.
Asking for help
This is the one I struggle with most – asking people for help. It can be the smallest thing, from cooking a meal to helping with the tasks at hand. So many people have offered me help with the wedding, and it is about time that I take them up on their offers!
Changing what I read and watch
This might sound crazy, but when I am stressed out, the things I watch and read can impact how I sleep. If I read real life magazines (which I love) about partners cheating or people dying then I have nightmare about that happening. The same goes for tv shows or movies. I have made a conscious effort to stop reading these magazines or watch upsetting tv shows or films. This is where Disney films are great!
What are some of the things you do to keep calm?
This post is a collaborative post.
Jenifer says
I struggle to sleep and there is a great sleep playlist on Spotify, which usually sends me off. I’ve just had my wisdom teeth extracted too (I wouldn’t wish the pain on my worst enemy!) so i’m currently getting great satisfaction out of tubs of ice-cream to help with the swelling
… the diet can start again next week once I’m better!
x
Ricky @ The Skint Dad Blog says
I can relate to feeling stressed! Although we are in a lot better position than we were a year or so ago, we still have a large amount of debt that we’re trying to clear and some days it just gets too much to handle.
I’m a pretty positive person but when you work so hard to try and achieve something, and then feel like you’re not getting anywhere it feels rubbish and the stress levels go through the roof!
What I’ve tried to do recently when I can feel myself getting overwhelmed with it all is simply go for a walk. Rain, wind or shine, when I feel the stress levels rise and just take myself out of the situation and get some fresh air. For me it’s a form of meditation. I put my earphones in and listen to whatever takes my fancy and walk. No particular direction but anywhere that takes my fancy. I use it to think things through in my mind. I concentrate on the the good things and try to stay positive.
I can’t say it works every time but a good 95%
Hope you feel less stressed soon
Truly Quirky Me (@Trulyquirkyme) says
I usually feel stressed and overwhelmed all the time – its because of the depression, anxiety and fibromyalgia i live with. My tip is be careful about lists as they can become overwhelming too, give yourself a goal to achieve each day for the main things you want to get done and you will soon get there without the stress side of things taking over!
Becky Alyssa says
Interesting you mention the Brahma Kumaris – my aunt used to be a part of their organisation (and still is but less so as she’s older) and some of their philosophies and beliefs are truly inspiring.
However I’m not the person to ask about staying calm!